[USA] Hertz announces plans to sell part of its EV rental fleet

On January 11, 2024, car rental company Hertz Global Holdings said it is selling about a third of its global fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), including 20,000 EVs from its U.S. fleet.[1] Hertz will use some of the proceeds to buy gasoline-powered vehicles. Previously, the company had aimed to convert 25% of its fleet to electric by the end of 2024. The company had also planned to order 100,000 Tesla vehicles by the end of 2022 and 65,000 units from Polestar over five years. In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company cited low customer demand and high maintenance costs for EVs. Hertz expects about $245 million in charges related to depreciation expenses from the EV sale in the fourth quarter of 2023. Hertz said it would focus on improving profitability for the rest of its EV fleet.

[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/hertz-sell-about-20000-evs-us-fleet-2024-01-11/

[USA] Biden administration grants $623M in funding for EV charging infrastructure

On January 11, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $623 million in grants to build out the electric vehicle (EV) charging network.[1] The Biden administration aims to build at least 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030. The grants announced by DOT are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. They will fund 47 EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure projects in 22 states and Puerto Rico, including the construction of about 7,500 EV charging ports. As part of the announcement, the Federal Highway Administration will award $311 million to 36 community projects, including two Indian Tribes in Alaska and Arizona. Community projects invest in EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities. Another $312 million in funding will go to 11 corridor recipients whose projects are located along roadways designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors. Corridor projects will fill gaps in the core national charging and alternative-fueling network.

More than 70% of the announced CFI funding will support project sites in disadvantaged communities, advancing the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal of 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments flowing to disadvantaged communities. EV chargers constructed with CFI funds must follow the same standards established for chargers funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program, including domestic manufacturing and workforce standards.

[1] https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-announces-623-million-grants-continue-building-out-electric

[USA] PSE launches program to help businesses install EV chargers

On September 20, 2023, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a Washington utility that serves the Puget Sound area, announced that it is funding workplace electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout its service area through an initiative called PSE Up & Go Electric for Workplace.[1] The pilot program has installed more than 40 public and private charging stations over the past six years. The utility is now expanding the pilot into a full-fledged program by covering up to 100% of the cost of installing workplace charging stations. The initiative is designed to remove one of the biggest accessibility hurdles for EV adoption—charging at work. PSE is offering up to 100% of the installation cost for qualifying small and medium-sized businesses. Employers can also choose to own, control, and maintain the charger themselves while fully managing the installation. In addition, businesses that serve or employ historically underrepresented communities may be eligible to have 100% of the costs covered for both PSE-owned or customer-owned chargers.

[1] https://www.pse.com/en/press-release/details/Puget-Sound-Energy-reduces-barriers-and-empowers-electric-mobility-by-offering-workplace-chargers

[USA] EPRI launches initiative to accelerate EV charging infrastructure

On August 7, 2023, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced that it is launching a three-year initiative called EVs2Scale2030 that will strive to ready the electric grid to support the accelerated development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.[1] EPRI will collaborate with more than 500 stakeholders, including Amazon, leading electric companies, fleet operators, auto and truck manufacturers, and charging providers. In addition, the initiative features coordination with the Department of Energy, federal agencies and national labs, the Edison Electric Institute, the American Public Power Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Alliance for Transportation Electrification. Founding electric company members include Austin Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Con Edison, FirstEnergy, Great River Energy, National Grid, New York Power Authority, Omaha Public Power District, Pacific Gas & Electric, Portland General Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Salt River Project, Seattle City Light, Southern California Edison, Southern Company, and Xcel Energy. Additional data collaborators include Daimler Truck North America, PACCAR, Volvo Group North America, and the World Resources Institute.

The initiative plans to develop a 50-state visualization and 2030 roadmap identifying the aggregated and anonymized electric vehicle loads, grid impacts, utility lead times, workforce requirements, and costs. The initiative also aims to create an online platform that defines the cross-industry processes needed to support the pace of activity and investment required to meet large-scale electrification by 2030. Further, the initiative seeks to build a secure data exchange platform for fleet operators and charging providers that allows energy companies to better plan and prioritize grid upgrades.

[1] https://www.epri.com/about/media-resources/press-release/3n1exEbFty19NooLIVR9k4

[USA] Policy brief: utilities see EVs as an opportunity for a resilient grid

According to a policy brief published July 24, 2023, by the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), many power providers believe electric vehicle (EV) growth could build grid resilience so long as the federal government and states create certainty through regulations and planning.[1] In its policy brief, titled  ‘Powering the EV Market: How Electricity Providers are Planning for the Future,’ ZETA found that between 2023 and 2050, utilities will need to add 15-27 terawatt-hours of generation (0.3-0.6% of U.S. current capacity) every year to keep up with EV growth and electrification.

The policy brief examined case studies from seven utilities and electricity providers, examining how they prepare for more EVs on the road. The case studies provide insights into managed charging, demand forecasting, community incentive programs, and fleet electrification. For example, in California, where EV adoption is highest, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) expects system demand to increase up to 70% over the next two decades as EV growth increases. The utility developed a forecasting tool to address this projected demand and integrated it into its distribution planning processes. Of the 3 million EVs that the utility expects in its footprint, 2 million will be integrated with the grid by participating in time-of-use rates, managed charging, or vehicle-to-grid bidirectional charging programs.

[1] https://www.zeta2030.org/policy-brief-powering-the-ev-market-how-electricity-providers-are-planning-for-the-future

[USA] PG&E launches two new programs to accelerate EV adoption in underserved communities

On July 18, 2023, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it has launched two new programs in California designed to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for underserved communities as a way to increase EV adoption.[1] Citing a study from CalMatters that analyzed data from the California Energy Commission (CEC), PG&E pointed out that high upfront vehicle costs, lack of chargers for renters, and inadequate access to public charging stations in underserved communities are limiting EV expansion among these populations.

Through the Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger pilot programs, the utility hopes to address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in the region. The Empower EV program will provide income-eligible customers up to $2,500 in incentives to help cover the costs of installing EV charging infrastructure at single-family residences. In addition, Level 2 chargers will be provided free to approximately 2,000 eligible customers, and up to $2,000 in panel upgrades will be offered per eligible household, up to 800 homes. Through the Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program, PG&E plants to install approximately 2,000 Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at 450 multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses, with priority given to properties within low-income, rural, tribal, and other priority populations. The chargers will be provided at no cost to property owners, and the utility will cover two years of networking and software fees.

[1] https://www.pge.com/en_US/about-pge/media-newsroom/news-details.page?pageID=029f3373-c807-4cf1-bfbf-6c65ed571f48&ts=1689881980044

[USA] Hawai’i selects Tritium to provide DCFCs under NEVI program

On July 11, 2023, Tritium DCFC Limited, a company that provides direct current (DC) fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), announced that it was selected to provide all fast chargers for Hawai’i’s first round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program funding.[1] The $5 billion federal NEVI Formula program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021 and aims to develop a national EV charging network. Through the program, Hawai’i has access to $2.6 million of NEVI funding in FY2022. Using the initial round of NEVI funding, Hawai’i is procuring eight Tritium NEVI systems, totaling 32 PKM150 (150kW) chargers and 16 power units. According to Tritium, it is the first manufacturer selected to deliver NEVI-funded chargers. During the initial NEVI program phase, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will install charging facilities along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC).

“Hawai’i is recognized nationwide and around the world for its commitment to sustainability and has long been at the forefront of the e-mobility transition,” said Tritium CEO Jane Hunter. “We’re not surprised to see the state act so quickly to ensure their community benefits from the emissions reductions that a rapid technology transition to electric vehicles secures. The NEVI funding is designed to ensure this transition occurs quickly and equitably, and Tritium is pleased to partner with the state and its representatives to bolster Hawai’i’s EV charging infrastructure.”

[1] https://tritiumcharging.com/tritium-becomes-first-manufacturer-to-win-nevi-fast-charger-order-company-to-provide-all-fast-chargers-for-first-phase-of-hawaii-nevi-program/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=265786620&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_8tMp-SQ9LLfXicT_WQnADKRTht9bLYof42a9kEkjv3y0D2nELoODxyN8hiP6R1QebRh20ZMygnjLHMtsH39j4YgUmyg&utm_content=265786620&utm_source=hs_email

[USA] GM announces V2H systems for its EVs

On June 28, 2023, General Motors announced product details for its initial suite of systems enabling owners of its electric vehicles (EVs) to export power to homes and the electric grid.[1] The systems, branded Ultium Home, will be the first solutions to be made available to residential customers through GM Energy. The announcement included three products: Ultium Home V2H Bundle, which will allow customers to use their GM EVs for vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality; Ultium Home Energy System, designed for customers seeking V2H and stationary storage; and Ultium Home Energy Storage Bundle, designed for customers who only want stationary storage.

In addition to these products, GM announced that customers looking to integrate solar can work with SunPower. Each of the products will be connected to the GM Energy Cloud, a software platform that will allow customers to manage the transfer of energy between applicable and connected GM Energy assets. According to the announcement, the exact pricing and rollout dates for the products will vary.

[1] https://investor.gm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gm-energy-simplifies-energy-management-three-easy-bundle-options

[USA] FlexCharging releases EV demand management solution designed for smaller utilities

On June 15, 2023, FlexCharging, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) managed charging, announced the release of EVision, an EV integration and demand response software solution.[1] As more EVs hit the road, smaller utilities, which may have fewer resources, are faced with the challenge of developing their own demand management initiatives. The cloud-based application allows electric utility cooperatives (co-ops) and municipal utilities to start their own managed charging programs.

EVision, in cooperation with their local utility, turns charging on and off remotely when drivers are home to avoid expensive electricity rates, tracks the charging, and makes sure that the EV owners get incentives. The software uses individual co-ops’ branding to maintain a seamless connection between drivers and utility. According to the press release, EVision “helps reduce the emissions from EV charging, lowers the cost of charging for EV owners, and minimizes charging during peak hours.” The product is available now to utilities of all sizes in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and parts of the EU.

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexcharging-launches-evision-managed-charging-solution-301851647.html

[USA] EDF study finds utilities, fleet owners, consumers benefit when utilities cover infrastructure costs to support EV charging

According to a new report released on April 14, 2023, by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an international nonprofit focused on solutions to environmental problems, utilities covering the cost of infrastructure upgrades needed for fleet charging can increase their revenue without raising electricity rates.[1] Large-scale electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is essential for the U.S. to meet its climate goals. However, the cost of upgrading the electrical infrastructure required to make a commercial site ready for EV charging, called “make-ready,” can account for up to 30% of the total cost of charging for fleets. Most U.S. utilities and regulators have been reluctant to finance these grid upgrades due to fears that it will lead to increasing everyone's electricity rates to pay for them.

The analysis, conducted for EDF by Synapse Energy Economics, uses two New York State utilities—Con Edison and National Grid—as case studies. It found that if utilities cover the make-ready cost for both private and municipal fleets, the investment will pay off for utilities and have a positive to neutral impact on ratepayers in both utility service areas. The study finds that with managed charging— the practice of aligning EV charging during times when clean, affordable electricity is most abundant — Con Edison’s make-ready program generates $1.1 billion in net revenue between 2023-2045, while National Grid’s program generates $141 million in the same time period. Managed charging is the practice of aligning EV charging during times when clean, affordable electricity is most abundant, reducing stress on the larger grid and mitigating pollution from power plants. Even without managed charging, the analysis found that investing in make-ready programs still had a positive to neutral impact. In addition, EDF contends that the results can be applied to states across the country due to the nature of the utilities studied; the two New York utilities are at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding grid costs, electricity demand profiles, and region.

[1] https://www.edf.org/media/worth-investment-report-finds-utilities-fleet-owners-consumers-benefit-when-utilities-cover

[USA] ESIG report: EV charging plans should consider grid needs

According to a new report released by the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG), a nonprofit focused on grid transformation, on April 4, 2023, state transportation plans created to access funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program do not consider the locational needs of the U.S. power grid.[1] The NEVI program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and provides $5 billion to states to develop a national electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved plans submitted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2022.

As EV sales increase and charging stations are built, new demands will be placed on electric utilities. ESIG’s report, titled “Leveraging Locational and Temporal Flexibility in Transportation Electrification to Benefit Power Systems,” examined how locationally flexible demand from EVs could be used to address grid needs. It considered potential use cases and their challenges, identified key questions around designing incentives, and offered ideas for regulators and policymakers as they work to support EV infrastructure. The report finds that “Well-managed electrification across the distribution and transmission systems can reduce overall costs and emissions, improve equity outcomes, and help smooth variability in wind and solar generation.” Optimally connecting EV loads means charging site planning “should consider transmission and distribution constraints and locations where customers can take advantage of lower power prices.”

[1] https://www.esig.energy/leveraging-locational-and-temporal-flexibility-in-transportation-electrification-to-benefit-power-systems/

[USA] DOT opens applications for first round of funding for EV charging in communities

On March 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) opened applications for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, a $2.5 billion five-year program to support community and neighborhood electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.[1] The program was created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The first round of funding will make $700 million available from fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to cities, counties, local governments, and tribes. The funding is split into two grant funding categories: the Community Program and the Corridor Program. The Community Program provides $1.25 billion to deploy EV charging infrastructure and other alternative-vehicle fueling infrastructure in communities, while the Corridor Program provides $1.25 billion to deploy projects along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). Hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure are eligible under these programs.

The CFI grant program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and would further the Biden Administration’s goal of building a national network of 500,000 public EV charging stations and reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will offer webinars for potential grant recipients in March and April. Applications for the grant are due by May 30, 2023.

[1] https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cfi/

[USA] ChargePoint and Stem to partner on EV charging and energy storage for DC fast charging

On January 31, 2023, ChargePoint Holdings, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network company, and Stem, a utility- and industrial-scale battery storage and software company, announced an agreement to accelerate EV charging and battery storage for highway corridor DC fast charging and other EV charging applications like fleet charging.[1] According to the press release, by combining EV charging with battery storage and AI-driven energy management, EV site operators can benefit from lower operating costs and added energy resiliency.

ChargePoint will analyze EV charging demand at sites looking to install DC chargers and assess their eligibility for incentive programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. ChargePoint will work with Stem to determine if a battery energy storage system may reduce the EV site’s operating costs. The companies say they will integrate ChargePoint’s Express Plus advanced fast charging platform with Stem’s on-site energy storage and its Athena platform, which integrates solar, storage, and EV charging management. The agreement has the potential to help reduce an EV site host’s utility bills by reducing demand charges, which can represent a significant portion of EV charging operating costs.[2] EV site hosts can reduce or avoid these costs by utilizing battery storage to mitigate demand peaks. Through energy storage-managed EV charging, customers can protect themselves against the risk of potential utility rate changes.

[1] https://www.chargepoint.com/about/news/chargepoint-and-stem-accelerate-deployment-ev-charging-and-battery-storage-solutions-dc

[2] Currently, public charging utilization is often too low to recover the cost of high-demand charges. A 2017 Rocky Mountain Institute study showed demand charges could be responsible for over 90% of a charging station’s electricity costs. Similarly, a 2019 Great Plains Institute study found that at low utilization rates, demand charges can be responsible for up to 90% of a site host’s monthly electricity bills.

[USA] Tesla to invest $3.6 billion in Nevada Gigafactory

On January 24, 2023, Tesla Inc. unveiled plans for a $3.6 billion expansion of its Gigafactory in Nevada that would nearly triple the company’s U.S. production of battery cells and produce large numbers of electric combination trucks.[1] In 2014, Tesla said that it would invest $3.5 billion in building the world’s first Gigafactory to produce EV batteries near Reno, Nevada. The new expansion will add 3,000 permanent workers to the 11,000 it already hired there. Tesla will add two new factories: a battery cell factory and a high-volume truck factory. Tesla said its new factory would produce 100 GWh of battery cells annually, nearly triple the 37 GWh average annual production of its existing building. The cells will be Tesla’s proprietary 4680 cell, a larger-format battery produced in collaboration with Panasonic Holdings Corp.

[1] https://www.tesla.com/blog/continuing-our-investment-nevada

[USA] EPA selects winners for nearly $1 billion in funds for electric school buses

On October 26, 2022, the Biden administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition.[1] The EPA selected 389 school districts spanning 50 states, Washington, D.C., and several Tribes and territories. 99% of the projects selected by the EPA are school districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students. The agency awarded these recipients $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric.

In May 2022, the agency announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. However, given the overwhelming demand from school districts, the EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. More applications for FY2022 are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million. The awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The EPA plans to launch the next rounds of program funding in the coming months.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-nearly-1-billion-epas-clean-school-bus-program

[USA] FHWA approves EV charging network plans for all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico

On September 27, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that it has approved the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.[1] The NEVI program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021, will provide $5 billion to states over five years to build EV charging stations every 50 miles along the federal highway system. With the FHWA’s approval, states now have access to all FY 2022 and FY 2023 program funding, totaling more than $1.5 billion. This will allow the buildout of EV chargers covering 75,000 miles of highway across the U.S. “We have approved plans for all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to help ensure that Americans in every part of the country – from the largest cities to the most rural communities—can be positioned to unlock the savings and benefits of electric vehicles,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

Projects that can be funded under the program include upgrades to existing and construction of new EV charging infrastructure; operation and maintenance costs of these charging stations; installation of on-site electrical service equipment; community and stakeholder engagement; workforce development activities; EV charging station signage; data sharing activities; and related mapping analysis and activities.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/historic-step-all-fifty-states-plus-dc-and-puerto-rico-greenlit-move-ev-charging

[USA] Hertz plans to order up to 175,000 EVs from GM over the next five years

On September 20, 2022, car rental company Hertz Corp. announced that it has agreed to order up to 175,000 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, and BrightDrop electric vehicles (EVs) from General Motors Co. (GM) over the next five years.[1] According to the press release, the companies believe that the plan is the largest expansion of EVs among fleet customers as well as the broadest because it spans a wide range of vehicle categories and price points. The agreement will include EV deliveries through 2027. During this period, Hertz estimates that its customers could travel more than 8 billion miles in these EVs, saving about 3.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions compared to similar gasoline-powered vehicles.

The rental car company aims to create the largest EV rental fleet in North America, with thousands of EVs available at Hertz locations across 38 states. Currently, Hertz’s goal is for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024. The company expects to begin taking Chevrolet Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs in Q1 2023. GM’s deliveries are projected to increase as it rapidly scales its EV production between 2023 and 2025. The ramp up in EV production will largely be driven by the opening of Ultium Cells battery cell plants in Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan. The company plans an annual production capacity of 1 million EVs in North America by 2025.

[1] https://newsroom.hertz.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hertz-and-gm-plan-major-ev-expansion

[USA] New Jersey launches year three of EV incentive, unveils new residential charger program

On July 25, 2022, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced the launch of the third year of the state's Charge Up New Jersey electric vehicle (EV) incentive program and unveiled the state's new Residential EV Charger Incentive Program.[1] Over the last two years, the Charge Up New Jersey program provided incentives for more than 13,000 vehicles. Over the last two years of the program, over 13,000 EVs were purchased or leased with this incentive. In its third year, the program will provide up to $4,000 for vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) under $45,000 and up to $2,000 for vehicles with an MSRP between $45,000 and $55,000. The new charger incentive program offers a $250 rebate for a residential charger and can be combined with existing utility programs, which may cover installation costs.

In the last two years, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has approved EV charging incentive programs for Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, and Atlantic City Electric. In addition, in fiscal year 2022, NJBPU launched three new programs, collectively providing over $12 million in incentives for the purchase of more than 900 Level Two chargers and over 60 Fast Chargers across the state. The NJBPU released the names of all the FY2022 EV grant recipients and will also open FY2023 applications for those programs – Clean Fleet, EV Tourism Charger, and the Multi-Unit Dwelling (MUD) Charger Program. The Clean Fleet program provides grants for government entities for the purchase of EVs and chargers. The MUD EV Charger Incentive Program was designed to encourage owners and operators of multi-unit dwellings to provide EV chargers for residents and guests. Finally, the EV Tourism program provides funding for chargers at tourist locations across the state.

[1] https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20220725a.shtml          

[USA] DOT releases proposed standards for national EV charging program

On June 9, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking outlining minimum standards and requirements for projects funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.[1] The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $5 billion over the next five years for the NEVI Formula Program. States must submit charging infrastructure plans to the newly created Joint Office of Energy and Transportation by August 1, 2022, to access the $615 million available to states in fiscal year (FY) 2022. The proposed standards would set requirements for states to receive these funds.

The proposed standards aim to ensure the electric vehicle (EV) charging network provides a reliable and accessible customer experience and establish the groundwork for greater EV adoption. DOT’s proposal would require all stations in the network to communicate and operate on the same software platforms. The standards also include network connectivity requirements to allow secure remote monitoring, control, and updates. In addition, charging ports must have an average annual uptime of greater than 97%. Other requirements include standard plugs, American-made EV chargers, and the ability for direct current (DC) fast charging stations to simultaneously charge at least four vehicles at a minimum power of 150 kW. The DOT said there will be a 60-day comment period on the proposal following publication in the Federal Register.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-takes-key-step-forward-building-national-network-user

[USA] Xcel Energy to be the first energy company in U.S. to incorporate all-electric bucket trucks

On June 6, 2022, Xcel Energy announced that it will be the first energy company in the U.S. to add all-electric bucket trucks to its fleet.[1] Xcel Energy has a plan to electrify all its light-duty vehicles and 30% of its medium and heavy-duty fleet by 2030. Terex Utilities and Navistar, manufacturer of International trucks, will deliver the trucks two years ahead of industry projections. The new trucks feature two electric sources, one for the drive train and one for the lift mechanism. They have a range of 135 miles and are able to operate the bucket for a full workday on a single charge. The energy company plans to test these trucks in real working conditions over a six to 12-month pilot. Currently, the company operates 1,000 aerial bucket trucks in its fleet. The new trucks will be quieter and zero emissions. Feedback provided during the pilot will ensure the trucks are dependable and help the industry better prepare for the electric vehicle transition. Xcel Energy will introduce the first truck in the Minneapolis, Minnesota region in late June 2022. The second truck will be delivered to its Denver, Colorado fleet at the end of 2022.

[1] https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/about/newsroom/press-release/xcel-energy-is-first-in-the-nation-to-add-all-electric-bucket-trucks-to-fleet-MCFAQNJJTNLFCKJIV3QX6NCGLTWU